The 38th World Diamond Congress, the biennial meeting of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), began on Tuesday (October 23) in Mumbai.

Beaverbrooks scoops Best Companies award for 14th consecutive year

Multiple jewellery retailer Beaverbrooks has been named best mid-sized retailer and ranked number 26 in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2017.

This is the 14th consecutive year that the jewellery business has featured in The Sunday Times Top 100 (250-3,000 employee category), seeing off competition from over 1,000 businesses.

Now in its 17th year, The Sunday Times awards, celebrated the UK’s leading companies at a ceremony in London on Thursday February 23 2017.

The awards rely directly on employee feedback.

Employees from all competing firms are asked to anonymously answer questions about management practices, career progression, workplace culture, job satisfaction, relationships with their colleagues and their working environment.

The family owned retailer established in 1919, was recognised by its employees for providing inspirational leadership and an open, honest company culture, as well as its strong company ethos and commitment to the wider community.

The company’s strong family values were also recognised, including its stance on Boxing Day trading – as the business traditionally remains closed on the day to give back to employees and show appreciation for the hard work they do.

Beaverbrooks

(L to R) Jonathan Austin, Founder and CEO of Best Companies, Amanda Simon, Head of People Engagement at Beaverbrooks and Mark Adlestone, Beaverbrooks’ Chairman

Beaverbrooks donates 20 %of post-tax profits to charity every year, including matching the funds that its people raise for local charities.

Chairman, Mark Adlestone introduced the concept of charitable giving in the company and introduced the Beaverbrooks mission of ‘enriching lives’ by making a positive difference.

He was recognised for his philanthropic values on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2015 and awarded an OBE for his services to business and charity in the North of England.

Adlestone said: “To be named among the UK’s top 30 workplaces for 14 consecutive years is quite an accomplishment. Our people are what make us so special and together we have achieved remarkable things over the past 12 months.

“We’ve continued to grow while retaining our strong family values which are engrained in the business and I am very proud of the culture that we have created. We are a fantastic team and together we collaborate to make Beaverbrooks the success it is today.”

Mark Adlestone, chairman of multiple jewellery retailer Beaverbrooks, has been presented with a Legends of Industry Award by children’s charity, Variety, for his outstanding contribution to the jewellery retail industry.

Leading independent jeweller Hugh Rice proved it really does have what it takes to be the best, scooping the top prize at Retail Jeweller’s Inspiring Independents for the second time in the history of the competition.